FG Allocates N10 Billion for Solar Mini-Grid for Aso Rock Amid Soaring Electricity Costs

The Federal Government has allocated N10 billion in the 2025 budget for a solar mini-grid project at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to official budget records, the project is titled “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid” and is captured under capital expenditure.

This new allocation is behind the increase in the State House budget from N47.11 billion to N57.11 billion.

This move comes as Nigerians struggle with rising electricity costs. In April 2024, the tariff for Band A consumers jumped from N68 per kilowatt hour to N225, and later adjusted to N209.5 per kilowatt hour in July. The State House spent N483.34 million on electricity bills in 2024, a 40.17 percent increase from N344.82 million in 2023.

Despite this, the Federal Government has budgeted N311.09 million for electricity at the State House in 2025, lower than the previous year’s spending. The Presidency had previously settled an outstanding electricity bill of N342.35 million after a reconciliation process.

The decision has sparked discussions about affordability and fairness, with many Nigerians facing higher electricity tariffs and irregular power supply. While the Presidency takes steps to reduce its power expenses, ordinary citizens are left to grapple with the rising cost of energy without similar support.